One of the most awe-inspiring moments I had while filming Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania was exploring Penn’s Cave—America’s only all-water cave that you can tour by boat. That’s right. A cave… with a boat ride… in the dark… and I went in!
Tucked beneath the rolling hills and farmland of Happy Valley, Penn’s Cave is more than just a geological marvel—it’s also rich with Native American history, natural science, and stunning formations that have been forming for thousands of years.
Our guide, Marty, welcomed me aboard and led us through the limestone cave system, pointing out massive stalactites and stalagmites along the way. He even showed me what they call the Heart of the Cave, a room where Native Americans once took shelter. Hearing the stories echo through that cavern while gliding across crystal-clear waters was something I will never forget.
While the cave is dimly lit, its beauty is undeniable. As we passed through narrow crevices and spacious chambers, I felt like we had traveled back in time. One chamber looked like a prehistoric cathedral—an untouched monument to nature’s patience.
And yes, at one point, our boat bumped a wall, which resulted in a bit of a scream and a laugh from me. (You’ll see that moment in the episode!) I had to remind myself: I was being brave in the cave!
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If you love exploring the great outdoors, discovering hidden gems, or simply want a unique adventure in Pennsylvania, Penn’s Cave belongs on your bucket list.
You can watch this experience come to life in the Happy Valley, Pennsylvania episode of Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine and browse the Behind-the-Scenes Photo Gallery for more fun shots from inside the cave.
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With love and adventure,
Michelle Valentine
